The Muck Boots story began in 1999 as they set out to create a boot with the sole purpose of enabling those who live, work and play in the most challenging conditions to perform at their highest level, undeterred by the elements.

Muck Boots make premium products born from necessity, not luxury. Every boot in the line keeps you in your comfort zone with 100% waterproof quality. Waterproof, weatherproof, whatever-proof. Muck Boots put proof in every pair!

If you’re in need of a pair of quality, comfy boots, then put your best foot forward and enter NFYFC’s Christmas competition to be in with a chance to win!

HOW TO ENTER

On the competition posts on Facebook and Instagram, just leave a comment on the post stating where you will wear your Muck Boots if you were to win a pair! You'll need to respond before 18 December 2018.

T&Cs

You must be a registered YFC member on the NFYFC database to win a pair of Muck Boots through this competition.

There is one pair of women’s boots to win and one pair of men's boots, up to the value of £110. The winners can choose the style they prefer.

There is no cash alternative

Winners will be asked to provide a comment and photo to be used on social media.

Join NFYFC for a weekend of AGRI discussion and debate with industry guests and young farmers in Derbyshire in February 2019.

The AGRI Steering Group organised event starts with the Take Control of your Future debate on Saturday 9 February at Bakewell Market, followed by evening supper. On Sunday, YFC members will visit Chatsworth Estate farm and shop between 10am until 12 noon.

Accommodation will be available for those travelling and there are options for taking part in the full or partial programme.

Save the date for a great AGRI get together and look out for booking details and further information in the New Year. For more information, contact Sarah Palmer.

Young farmers are the lifeblood of UK agriculture and Certas Energy is committed to supporting the next generation with solutions that help save money, boost productivity and reduce environmental impact to benefit the industry.

Starts with data driven insights

In step with the steady march of technology, there is an appetite for new products that can help simplify processes and improve productivity. Telemetry can help monitor fuel levels, provide reports on usage to help better understand a farm’s fuel needs and automatically order top-ups during busier periods.

Reducing environmental impact

From reducing emissions to redesigning intensive farming methods, there are many ways to create a more environmentally friendly, sustainable future for farming. Certas Energy is the UK’s exclusive distributor of Shell GTL Fuel, a cleaner-burning, drop-in alternative to diesel that can reduce levels of harmful air pollutants. The fuel can be used directly without needing to make engine or infrastructure modifications, and is non-toxic and biodegradable.

Safety first

In the past, fuel storage has often been an afterthought, but with farmers increasingly working across sites and needing to refuel, it is more important than ever to be able to easily move, maintain and monitor fuel supply. Modern fuel tanks provide stock visibility, traceability and sudden drop alerts for total peace of mind – a major benefit considering 20% of farmers have fallen victim to fuel theft.

Thirty-nine YFC members have been given once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to experience rural life in a different part of the world in 2019, with the support of the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust.

The YFC Travel programme is open to all YFC members giving them the chance to apply for one of 15 exclusive trips. Opportunities include working scholarships in New Zealand on a beef, sheep and dairy farm, staying with rural families in Europe, Canada or the USA, team travel with Rural Youth Europe or volunteering in Costa Rica or Sri Lanka.

Sioned Davies (right), 20, from Pontfraen is off to Canada, supported by the youth organisation Canada 4H, and said she is “over the moon” to be staying with host families in the country.

“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” added Sioned who found the NFYFC interview process a positive experience. “It’s a fantastic way to meet everyone.”

Spaces are still available for the volunteering trips to Costa Rica and Sri Lanka. Organised through Projects Abroad UK, these trips are made exclusively for YFC members and have a rural and farming focus to the volunteering opportunities.

There is also one space available for Rural Youth Europe’s Autumn Seminar in Switzerland. The dates and programme are still to be confirmed but the week-long trip will be a chance to meet with young farmers from across Europe and will involve workshops and entertainment.

For more information about YFC Travel contact Erica.Attwood@nfyfc.org.uk

AGRI Vice Chair David Goodwin from Warwickshire FYFC represented NFYFC at CEJA’s 60th anniversary in December alongside around 180 guests including young farmers from across Europe, politicians, academics, stakeholders from the agricultural sector and members of the media.

David took part in a conference that showcased best practice by four young farmers on innovation, environmental sustainability, the empowerment of women in agriculture and communication, and a ‘Farming for the Future’ photography exhibition.

David also attended the Last Post Ceremony at Ypres' Menin Gate to commemorate 100 years since the ending of the First World War.

CEJA President Jannes Maes said: “As much as we have evolved as an organisation over the past 60 years, we have stayed one in our diversity. Diverse in our background, language, types of production and scale. But especially one in our dreams, ambitions and in the challenges we face. The European agricultural debate has also changed over the years. It is our responsibility as young farmers to continue to take an active role in these discussions.”

At an extraordinary General Assembly during the conference, CEJA delegates approved unanimously two new observer members: NFU Next Generation Forum from the UK and the Panhellenic Young Farmers’ Association from Greece.

EU Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Phil Hogan said it was an honour to attend and celebrate CEJA’s 60th anniversary and that he wanted to do everything in his power to speed up generational renewal.

David then travelled from Ypres to Vienna to represent UK young farmers at an Austrian Young Farmers’ Day where he outlined the current key challenges and opportunities on his farm and for the British agricultural industry.

For the second year running, British Wool is offering NFYFC members a saving of more than 50% on training for a Blue Seal qualification.

The qualification is a must for all those YFC members who want to take part in NFYFC’s Sheep Shearing competition.

NFYFC members are being offered a two-day course for £80 (plus VAT), which is a discount of over 50% off the standard course fee. To be eligible to take advantage of this offer you must be a current member of a Young Farmers' Club affiliated to NFYFC within England and Wales, and not have attended a course previously.

Richard Schofield, British Wool’s Shearing Manager, said: “It takes quite a few years to improve ability, but if you start the right way it makes life much easier. It’s a lot harder to unravel bad habits.”

The training course includes:

An introduction to shearing

Health and safety and the use of shearing equipment

Demonstrations and hands-on practice.

One-to-one support by an instructor.

A range of dedicated NFYFC courses will be offered but if there isn’t enough interest in one Area an alternative will be offered.

Dion Hughes from Uwchaled YFC in Clwyd, won NFYFC’s 2018 Sheep Shearing competition. After winning at the Great Yorkshire Show, Dion said: “You’re never too experienced to learn more about shearing. I did my Blue Seal training when I was 17 and I worked up to the next level. One regret is I didn’t do enough courses through British Wool so I’m going to do some more so I can keep on improving.”

British Wool is also offering wool handling courses to YFC members for £50 plus VAT for one day’s training from a top competitive wool handler. Contact Alison Gould or Richard Schofield using the information below for further information.

YFCs can also find out more about the wool processing chain and hear tips from wool experts through dedicated tours with British Wool in 2019. To book places for your club contact British Wool directly.